Friday, September 3, 2010

I am doing a LOT of spinning.
This is because I now have 6 weeks of paid time off, with no loss of vacation or sick or furlough time.
This is because I won my Workman's Compensation case for job-induced stress.
This is because I went to the ER 2 weeks ago today and complained of chest pains that would not stop (The EKGs showed that my heart is not only fine but in excellent shape, thanks to years of running.)
This is because I went to the Chief Psychologist earlier that day about working conditions on my yard and refused to ever return to my yard.
This is because the Acting Chief Psychologist called the Chief in, due to the state I was in and the abuses I was reporting.
This is because my supervisor felt it necessary to scream at me publicly and accuse me of absurd things.
This is because she figured out that I had already spoken to the Acting Chief Psychologist, and she went into a panic.
This is because my supervisor knew that I have an excellent reputation for hard work and professionalism, and she has been guilty in front of me for months, due to the stuff she has allowed to go on within our yard. She has been afraid I'd squeal, in other words.
This is because I did, indeed, squeal.
This is because my supervisor and former team-mates colluded to get a friend from another yard in trouble because he acted professionally a week before, and took over a committee when they were 45 minutes late for the committee. I listened to them lie throughout a staff meeting and arrange with my supervisor exactly how they would lie to damage his reputation.

And that was my breaking point.

And I went for help.

The Chief stated that he already had corroborating evidence for the accusations I was making. He tore apart the team. One person (I'll let you guess who) was reviewed for firing, as she had represented herself as licensed when she is not. That is illegal in CA. The cops (who loathe her anyway) report that she spent a week walking around "blubbery." I guess someone met the Chief in a Bad Way.

I am assigned to the One Yard with a team whose members I know and love and with whom I have worked before.

I am furiously working on my chemistry class, sleeping a lot, crying a bit, spinning when I am not doing any of the above, and starting to return to my old self. I return to work on October 6th at the earliest. I am starting to answer old mails thru Ravelry and regualr email, so my apologies if you have not yet heard from me, but I'll get on it. No more headaches from the concussion, either. It's amazing what 2 weeks off have done to heal me.

My 50th Birthday is tomorrow. I gave my myself the best gift possible--I took action and fixed things.

And I am SO GRATEFUL to you all, because I know a lot of praying and good energy were being sent at me to help me reach this place. 2,000 listeners doing that for me is a humbling and incredible thought. Witty, Humane, and Intelligent--and spiritual in the best ways.

My love also to Straphanging, who has kept the CFR on track with some gentle nudges at me at the right times. Also to the members of the AV Fiber Fiends, including (but not limited to) Loretta1031, Stashymama, HeyMindy, Casdena, LimeJuicy, Lexicom, FamilyDiva,and Jedimom

I gotta go ply and do some chemistry today! My grateful love to you all. Episode 96 WILL happen!

So sorry you had to go through all that. Take these six weeks to recuperate well, live well, and continue to rise above the next situation just as graciously as you did this one when and if the next opportunity challenges you. Praying for you.

Oh my gosh -- so, so glad you're finally free of that "team" and so very glad you are doing well. What a terrible time you must have had. Please don't stress about the podcast, just take care of yourself and we'll still be here when you're ready.

Just found this post today (don't usually read the blog) thinking of you and so pleased that you are getting the break you need and deserve. Marvelling at your immense courage in the face of terrible working conditions. "Kia kaha" (A Maori phrase meaning "Be strong") and big hugs,

wow I just caught up with u but have been thinking about you since the last podcast I listened to talking about the er visit and such...gosh i am glad you are off to rest body and mind a recoup from toxic environment too, sheesh!

Hi Dr Gemma,I haven't popped by here in ages, so I hadn't seen this post before now. Wishing you all you need to help you be ready to step back on the treadmill when the time is right, Nic @ talesfromtheplain

Oh my gosh. I had no idea how bad things had really gotten. I am sorry you had to endure all of that and had to risk your job and sanity to resolve the problems. Best of luck. I hope to hear from you again soon.

Missed you and just wanted to say so. Hope you are doing better and the rest will be a recouperative one. You know that stress like that builds and it hasta blow-glad it was a controlled one by you and that you. Very healthy response to a lot of garbage. Very courageous.

You have done a great service for so many people. By speaking up and doing something you may have actually saved lives -including your own. It's amazing what that kind of stress can do to you - and I am guessing (just guessing) that this concussion was the result of too much crap taking up your brain's resources (result of stress). In your podcast, you were so careful to keep things fairly quiet and on an even keel, that I for one, never really got a sense of how terrible things must have been for you. I am so glad you did the right thing. Good things should follow now. Maybe a new strategy: The Emperor has no clothes:)hugs,Joan a/k/a fuguestateknits

Hi Dr. Gemma!Wow.....so sorry you had to endure this....it still amazes me how human beings can be so cruel to each other in the workplace......glad you were able to take action and fix things! you once again inspire us to fix things in our own situations,Heal well and fast!Hugs and blessings,stitchwhiz623